GOVERN Update - September 2021
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GOVERN Update - September 2021
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September 2021, Vol. 4

GOVERN for IMPACT - The "Why" Behind "Our What"
by Karen Fryday-Field, GOVERN CEO

First off, this title begs the question: What is our ‘what’ at GOVERN for IMPACT? "What" we are trying to achieve is “excellence in board governance” so that organizations can achieve more good on behalf of their owners within ethical and prudent boundaries... a systems approach. This is what the people of GOVERN for IMPACT intend to achieve in the world, and with the world. Our philosophy is grounded in a set of integrated principles that inform the practice of governing to foster greater results and stronger accountability. We are particularly inspired by the theoretical framework of Policy Governance (PG), its insightful constructs, its systems nature, and the transformative experiences of those boards applying it.

We will engage in research, programs, education, and advocacy that expand the capacity of boards of organizations of all types and empower them to govern with confidence, consistency, clarity, and integrity. Our work will contribute to, and emanate from, a growing community of advanced-governance thinkers, practitioners, and researchers. It will evolve in collaboration with an ever-growing network of partnering organizations that share our values and vision of a well-governed world.  This will be achieved by supporting Board by Board. 

GOVERN's "What"

The “why” behind our “what” is equally compelling!  Governance in its many forms and levels around the world, when practiced well with integrity builds stronger businesses, more impactful organizations, and healthier communities and countries.  When not practiced well, governance can lead to destruction, corruption, territorialism, exclusion, and racism to name only a few examples.  Inherent in governance is strong power which can be used to improve business, organizations, and communities…… or it can be used inappropriately, irresponsibly, or harmfully.

The “why” behind our “what” then is to build a better world using excellent governance systems, based on key principles.  If we don't do this, how can we expect others to do so? If governance has such potential for the power of positive, fundamental, long-lasting change, then why are we not maximizing this critical resource in society?

UN SDGWhen we examine our world challenges and the big needs right in our own cities and neighbourhoods, around our corners are hunger, poverty, sickness, hate, lack of equity, discrimination, unethical or unsuccessful business, lack of education and learning, unnecessary war, famine, homelessness, environmental pollution, shortage of clean water…. and so on.  The people at GOVERN for IMPACT believe that these results are simply not good enough… and further that governance practiced with excellence can significantly change the world for the better.  This is the ‘why’ behind our ‘what’.  Make no mistake this is not just do-gooder talk.  It is happening. This is about effective decision-making and accountability by board after board across our world and yes in your organization also.

If you would like to be on this learning journey with a group of dedicated professionals committed to governance excellence, please join us.  Your voice is welcome! There are so many ways you can get involved in learning, research, advocacy, and leadership.  Call me and I will be thrilled to facilitate connecting you into support and opportunities related to your interests (my cell 519-671-2510 Canada - country code 001) or check out our refreshed website.

I look forward to connecting and also to your increasing involvement.

 Karen Fryday-Field

Karen Fryday-Field, BScPT., MCPA, MBA, GSP
CEO, GOVERN for IMPACT

 

Policy Governance is a registered service mark of John Carver


ISO/DIS 37000 - Guidance for the governance of organizations is launched

 

What is ISO?

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical committees.

Acknowledging the GOVERN for IMPACT ISO Governance of Organizations Contribution

Hartger WassinkWe are pleased to advise you that the ISO 37000 Guidance on the Governance of organizations was published Tuesday, September 14, 2021.  Caroline Oliver, Hartger Wassink, and Dick Biery Dick Bieryhave contributed over the years to meetings on this guidance and this has led to a clearly recognizable Policy Governance ‘fingerprint’ on the guidance. Notably, the clear distinction between governance and management, the centrality of purpose (Ends), the use of policies for governance, the distinction between ‘member stakeholder’ and ‘reference stakeholder’, and the separation between accountability on purpose and risk management are testament to ‘original' Policy Governance thinking.

“I must admit the Guidance somewhat lacks the simplicity of the original PG principles, but because this is a document has such a broad backing that we still can consider this as a major step forward in international thinking on what constitutes good governance.” – Hartger Wassink

As a Policy Governance community, we can be honored and grateful to have been able to contribute to this development. It is important to recognize Caroline’s indispensable contribution in this, first by greatly influencing the BSI code that has been a stepping-stone to this guidance, and then by laying the first connections between the ISO working group for this standard and Govern for Impact. Without her optimism and energy, we might not have come this far, and the world would have missed an opportunity to benefit from the rigor of the Policy Governance system.

https://committee.iso.org/ISO_37000_Governance_published

Our GOVERN for IMPACT team will continue to be involved in the next ISO project, where they will be developing criteria for good governance based on the guidance document.

Scope of Guidance

Good governance of organizations means that decision-making within the organization is based on norms, practices, behaviours, organizational ethos, culture, structures, and processes to create and maintain an organization with clear purpose that delivers long-term value consistent with the expectations of its stakeholders. The implementation of good governance of an organization includes a framework of mechanisms, processes, and structures that are appropriate for its internal and external context. This guidance is directed at governing bodies but may also be useful to those that support it in discharging its duties such as: — those who govern organizations; — managers and staff; — governance practitioners; — other interested stakeholders. Organizations that apply this guidance will be better equipped to understand the competing expectations of their stakeholders and to apply the required creative entrepreneurship, culture, principles, performance, and accountability that are necessary to deliver the objectives of the organization according to its purpose and values. Governing bodies hold management to account and ensure that the culture, norms, and practices in the organization align with its purpose. This guidance sets out principles that will assist governing bodies in discharging their duties effectively and efficiently, enhancing trust, inclusion, accountability, responsiveness, and equity. Governing bodies that apply this guidance can achieve effective performance, responsible stewardship, and ethical behaviour.

Need for Guidance

Society, policymakers, and other stakeholders are seeking, and have an increasing expectation of, “good governance” and “good citizenship” from the organizations that impact their lives. This results in the need to develop a common understanding of what constitutes good governance of organizations across all jurisdictions, and therefore, a global consensus-based approach is needed. This document on governance defines key principles and recommends best practices that guide the governing body to meet its responsibilities so that the organization can fulfill its purpose. This guidance is for the members of the governing body, those they oversee, and those to whom the governing body is accountable.

“Effective governance is a prerequisite for organizations and businesses to deliver on their purpose and to achieve their desired outcomes aligned with their values and within their risk boundaries.  Our appreciation is expressed to ISO for their collaborative efforts in achieving the ISO 37000 international guidance on governance.  There will now be worldwide recognition of the importance of a systematic framework for governance, something GOVERN for IMPACT has been advocating for over 20 years, inspired by the principles of Policy Governance®. We expect ISO 37000 to have a profound impact on board governance excellence.” – Karen Fryday-Field, CEO GOVERN for IMPACT

Our GOVERN community warmly expresses our gratitude to Hartger and Dick for their tireless work to press for building these key principles into ISO 37000!  Thank you gentlemen for sharing your time and your talent.

Karen Fryday-Field
CEO, GOVERN for IMPACT